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There is now way any teams think like this. Hold a guy back just for the sake of a lower contract value?
Matthew Knies
- Thread starter shaner8989
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There is now way any teams think like this. Hold a guy back just for the sake of a lower contract value?
ACC1224
Super Elite, Passing ALL Tests since 2002
- Aug 19, 2002
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Signing at the end of the season is fine, IMO. He’s done well but also benefitting from being on that top line. Don’t want to take anything away from what he has done but that is a big factor.
And no, he hasn’t been the best player on that line like some have suggested.
And no, he hasn’t been the best player on that line like some have suggested.
If you intentionally nerf his point production by playing him with black holes he’s simply going to opt for a short bridge. His camp isn’t stupid.
Not to mention we’re a contender trying to ice the best possible lineup and he’s easily the best fit beside the core guys.
Push for max term or close to it. Thats how you approach getting the most value out of young PWFs.
Menzinger
Kessel4LadyByng
I think the biggest issue is a lot of fans think of Knies first as this sort of energy player, when in fact he's always been very skilled/high hockey IQ going back to when he was drafted and his days in college with the Gophers. He just happens to have a power forward's body and isn't afraid to use it.
One of the most exciting young players we've seen in a Leafs jersey since the the day Matthews was drafted
ULF_55
Moderator
He very well may be "the" reason the first line makes a statement in the playoffs.
He's not a rookie this year, he'll know what he has to do in the playoffs.
Domi is just as good of a LW option as Knies is, possibly even better tbf. Knies is good but the case to play him on the 3rd line is legitmate if you believe in the Domi-Matthews chemistry from last year and you want more size on the 3rd line. No matter what, a good player is going to be playing on the 3rd line.
Also McMann is not a black hole.
Domi-Matthews-Nylander
Patches-Tavares-Marner
Knies-______-McMann
Having Knies (6'3", 227) and McMann (6'2", 215) as a winger combo on the third line has the potential to be a ruthless combination of size, speed, strength, and shooting. That third line will bulldoze teams, but then you have that elite skill up top in Nylander, Matthews, Domi on line 1 and Tavares, Marner, and Pacioretty on line 2.
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Maplebeasts
I See Demons!!!!!
He’s quickly turning into one of my favourite players on the team. He’s a rare blend of physicality, size and filthy hands. He’ll be even better when he starts to trust his shot a bit more from distance like he did in college hockey.
Said it before, would love to see a line of Knies, Matthews and Domi. Eventually teams will take note of Knies’ physicality and push back knowing Matthews and Marner won’t engage in anything. Having Domi on that line would provide some backup and also bring more of an edge out of Matthews knowing Knies and Domi are there as well.
I think it makes sense but I’m also very biased and hate Matthews and Marner together.
I think it makes sense but I’m also very biased and hate Matthews and Marner together.
ULF_55
Moderator
Perhaps that is an adjustment to be made in the post season when things get really tight.
Maple Leaf
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- Sep 18, 2009
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I think Berube is trying to spread the power winger so there is a big-body puck retriever on the forecheck of each line. Different style game this year, and you have the top two lines clicking right now. Not sure why we would change that. I'll take Knies over Domi any day of the week on a top line, but they are completely different types of players.
Tre should build a line around Knies with skilled mutants.
Domi Matthews Marner
Pac Tavares Nylander
Knies -------- ----------
Lorentz Kampf Dewer
Reaves
Domi Matthews Marner
Pac Tavares Nylander
Knies -------- ----------
Lorentz Kampf Dewer
Reaves
He's been impressive and really stood out tonight (in a good way).
He's getting closer to $8 million x 8 years everyday. His current pace is 40 goals and 200 hits.... And he's only getting better.
- Dec 12, 2017
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“ The play dies Knies”is great in front of the net and in the corners, but he often struggles carrying the puck.
ULF_55
Moderator
So they have their net front presence.
Powerplay looked good with a passer (marner), shooter (Nylander) and net front presence (Knies).
What is the saying, less is more?
Powerplay looked good with a passer (marner), shooter (Nylander) and net front presence (Knies).
What is the saying, less is more?
Knies has everything this team needs. Especially size. He isn't afraid to use it either. I feel he can be the key on the PP. The opposition often has four guys across the blue line. Dump the puck in, let Knies get it. Then the opposition has two options. Get to the puck first and get crushed by Knies. Or let Knies get the puck first and he's pretty good with it. He will find a open man or maybe keep it himself and eventually pass. He sticks up for his teammates and isn't afraid to get nasty. Knies is the best thing Dubas ever did. They tried saving money on Nylander, how did that work out? SIGN HIM NOW!!!
thewave
Registered User
- Jun 17, 2011
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Relax its the Leafs. we overpay for everything and charge extra at the gate.
14 games does not a season make. He’s been very good, I need to see more than this before I’d be willing to shell out big bucks. Injuries, slumps, performance on different lines, it’s a long season. Continue discussions, sure, but don’t roll out the golden carpet, at least not until he scores the Cup winning goal. 
What you just described is a very difficult style of play to do over an 82 game season plus playoffs. I’d like to see how he plays the rest of the year then sign him in the offseason. I understand he may earn more money that way but it seems less risky than paying him big money now. We will also have the leverage in the negotiations in him not having arb rights and he can only sign with us or hold out. We won’t have Dubas fudging the negotiations so in co didn’t we will be able to get him signed to a good deal.
